Transcultural European Outdoor Studies (TEOS) at Erasmus Mundus

Transcultural European Outdoor Studies (TEOS) at Erasmus Mundus

The two-year degree programme of a Master in Transcultural European Outdoor Studies (TEOS) offered by the Philipps-Universität Marburg (Germany, coordinator), the University of Cumbria (England) and the Norges Idrettshogskole in Oslo (Norway) is a response to the fact that outdoor practice and the pedagogy connected with it has gained tremendous significance in all industrial countries in recent years. The aim of the course is to impart a qualifications profile that, on the one hand, embraces the accumulated knowledge of the three central traditions of the philosophy of outdoor pedagogics – the Norwegian Friluftsliv, the English Outdoor Education and the German Erlebnispädagogik, and that, on the other hand, leads to the development of a transcultural sensitivity which allows students to discern the cultural transitions and open borders between the three national concepts that have been there from the beginning and have been retained until today.

The qualifications profile graduates thus acquire will enable them to take on leadership and planning tasks especially on a conceptional level in outdoor centres, in youth work and in clubs, in schools development, in personnel development or in companies of the outdoor industry. The classes of the two-year full-time course of studies (120 credits) will be conducted in English. The first semester will take place at the University of Cumbria in Ambleside and will comprise the teaching of the English national outdoor discourse as well as the historical origins of outdoor practice in Europe.

This Master`s course offers:

Teaching of knowledge of the individual national disciplines, discourses, traditions and practices of the subject,

Theoretical and practical study of transitions, thresholds, borders and connection options between concepts and traditions of outdoor pedagogies typical for the individual countries: Outdoor Education in England, Friluftsliv in Norway and Erlebnispädagogik in Germany,

Promotion of job-relevant attitudes of transcultural rationality, which not only demand theoretical reflexion and subject-related practical processing but which are also based on the informal learning taking place in the half-year stay in each of the countries of the three participating European universities.

Applicants from China, from Vietnam and from Mongolia need a certification by the Academic Evaluation Centre.The Academic Evaluation Centre (Akademische Prüfstelle – APS) provides services on behalf of the Cultural Section of the German Embassy in conjunction with the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD). The APS is effectively the gateway to study in Germany for applicabnts from China, Vietnam and Mongolia. After the successful verification of an applicant`s documents (this could include a validation interview or a Test for Academic Studies), the APS issues a certificate which German universities demand as an entry requirement. This certificate attests the authenticity of the documents that have been handed in by the applicant, and also that the person has achieved sufficient qualifications in their home country in order to be able to apply for a place at a German university.

Category A scholarships are considered as “full scholarships” covering all necessary costs incurred by the student during his/her study period in Europe. Erasmus Mundus Category A scholarship – are awarded to students selected by TEOS consortia, who are nationals of a Third Country (all countries outside the EU Member states, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland), who have not carried out their main activity (studies, research or work) for more than 12 non-consecutive months over the last 5 years in one of the 27 EU Member States, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland.

Category B scholarships are considered as a “financial contribution” to the student`s costs while following his/her studies.Erasmus Mundus Category B scholarship – are awarded to students selected by TEOS consortia, who are nationals of one of the 27 EU Member states, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland or any third country students who has spent at least 12 (non-consecutive) months, over the last 5 years, working, studying or doing research in one of the 27 EU Member States, Liectenstein, Norway and Iceland.

Eligibility

The minimum academic qualification is a Bachelor`s degree or comparable qualification with a background inOutdoor Education, Education, Social Sciences or Environmental Sciences. Applicants must have acquired a minimum of 45 points within the framework of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) in educational or social/cultural related modules (classes) during their university studies.

English language requirements: Students must be able to study courses in English effectively. We therefore require certified English language skills of at least B2 level in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages(CEFR) or equivalent. The minimum English language requirements for obtaining a scholarship are e.g. TOEFL: 550 (paper-based), 213 (computer-based), 80 (internet-based), IELTS: Band 5 (academic),First Certificate in English.

Work experience: In the case of similar academic achievements, preference will be given to students with relevant work experience in the field of education and outdoor education.

ScholarshipErasmus Mundus Category A scholarship:1,000 € per month for two years (24,000 €).8,000 € for mobility (e.g. travel from home to Europe and back).Participation fees which are paid by the EU to the TEOS coordinating university.

Erasmus Mundus Category B scholarship:500 € per month for two year (12,000 €).Participation fees which are paid by the EU to the TEOS coordinating university.

Application

Application form.

Letter of application: Applicants should demonstrate their interest in the subject area and should demonstrate their personal and professional appropriateness for the masters course by writing a statement (at least two pages).